After 15 years, the Connecticut Defenders are gone. That’s the word this morning from Eastern League President Joe McEacharn, who announced at a press conference in Richmond, Va., that that team will relocate to the Virginia capital for 2010.

Joe Perez and John Packett

After 15 years, the Connecticut Defenders are gone.

That’s the word this morning from Eastern League President Joe McEacharn, who announced at a press conference in Richmond, Va., that that team will relocate to the Virginia capital for 2010.

“It is a bittersweet day leaving Norwich,” McEacharn said. “I generated relationships there. We moved there. We feel an obligation to the community. We don’t like to move teams. But the team simply could not withstand the financial pressure. They were losing money, a lot of it, on an annual basis, just to stay open."

The team signed a two-year agreement with the Richmond Metropolitan Authority to play its games at The Diamond while a deal for a new or refurbished stadium is hammered out. The deal includes three one-year options at The Diamond.

Defenders President and Managing General Partner Lou DiBella was joined by co-general partners Gary Green of Alliance Baseball, LLC and Harvey Ross of Ross Holdings, LLC.

“The return of pro baseball to Richmond is something my ownership group is thrilled to be a part of,” DiBella said. “Everyone involved in this endeavor has a track record of professionalism and success, and will work tirelessly to be an integral part of the Richmond community and provide a first class baseball experience.”